Health-N-You

‘Tis the season for sharing germs

No one ever wants to be sick, yet the winter seems to be the time for flu, colds, and stomach illness. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding sick people are two easy ways to prevent getting sick. Dr. Doyle, Medical Director at UHCS, recently commented on the importance of the flu vaccine in the Huntington News. And one student shared how easy the process of getting the vaccine was for her. Learn more about the flu and prevention here. Unfortunately, stomach illnesses don’t have vaccines like the flu. Norovirus is the most common stomach virus in the United States. Symptoms which include nausea, vomiting diarrhea and stomach cramps typically last about 1-2 days. If symptoms persist longer, contact UHCS or your health care provider. Suggestions for the prevention of the Norovirus are very similar to the recommendations for avoiding the flu virus with frequent hand washing once again being at the top of the list. Since Norovirus is transmitted in a hand to mouth manner, hand washing just prior to eating is particularly important. If you have the Norovirus or live with someone who does, keeping shared surfaces like countertops clean will also decrease the risk of transmission. If you do contract the virus, do not panic. Try to keep a good fluid intake despite any vomiting (sips of liquid every 5 minutes helps) and take only simple foods. If you feel like you can’t control your symptoms or keep even tiny sips of water down, see us at UHCS or go to a local Emergency Room.

I missed class because I was sick...what should I do now?

We do not provide written excuses for students who miss class due to illness or injury. This policy was highlighted in the Provost’s guidelines for missed classes during the H1N1 flu epidemic of 2009. 

Students who need to miss class due to illness/injury are encouraged to notify their professor that they are ill or injured and unable to attend, preferably prior to the class. It is the right of the faculty to determine when or if a student will be excused from class.  

Our policy is consistent with our commitment to maintain confidentiality, appropriately use health care resources, and support the faculty/student relationship. Integrity in this process is an expectation of the Northeastern Academic Integrity Policy.

Download a sample email notification to send to your professors if you miss class.

Wash your hands!

Wash your hands! How many times have you heard this and wondered if it really helps keep you healthy.

The answer is yes.

Not only does hand washing keep germs from affecting you, but it stops any bacteria from getting passed to others and causing illnesses ranging from the common cold, flu, viral meningitis, to the far more serious ones such as E. Coli.

Look at the microbial growth on this petri dish. A) no disinfection B) after hand washing with soap C) using alcohol based cleanser. 
 

Watch this video to learn how to wash your hands properly from the CDC

Prevent the flu!

 
From Dr. Doyle, Medical Director, UHCS:                                 

UHCS is already seeing an increase in flu like illness on campus and expect to see even more cases as  the semester proceeds.  Most of the influenza circulating is still the H1N1 variety that hit college age patients very hard last year.  Over 30 deaths due to this flu have been reported in England this season.  So far the flu is not so widespread as last year, but having the flu is still pretty miserable and it is something we can help prevent. UHCS has plenty of flu vaccine available so please take advantage of this and get vaccinated now!

For more information about the flu vaccine at UHCS click here.